Top Things to Do in Chachapoyas, Peru: Ruins, Waterfalls & Cloud Forests

Tucked away in the misty mountains of northern Peru lies Chachapoyas, a city wrapped in cloud forests, ancient civilizations, and untamed nature. Far from the usual tourist trails, this hidden gem offers ruins older than Machu Picchu, waterfalls among the tallest in the world, and a deeply rooted local culture that welcomes explorers with open arms.
 

If you're seeking authentic Andean experiences, archaeological wonders, and adventures without the crowds, Chachapoyas belongs at the top of your Peru travel list.

📍 Where is Chachapoyas?

Chachapoyas is the capital of the Amazonas Region in northern Peru, located in the eastern Andes at around 2,335 meters (7,660 ft) above sea level. The city sits on a scenic plateau surrounded by lush cloud forests, deep valleys, and highland rivers, making it an excellent base for exploring the broader region known as the Kingdom of the Chachapoyas.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Chachapoyas

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September, when weather is most suitable for hiking and sightseeing.

May – September: Ideal for outdoor adventures, clear skies, and accessible trails.

October – April: Rainy season; the landscape is lush, but hiking trails may be muddy and harder to access.

🚍 How to Get to Chachapoyas

Chachapoyas is remote but increasingly accessible:

✈️ By Air (Best Option)

Jaén Airport (JAE) is the closest commercial airport with flights from Lima.

From Jaén, it’s a 4–5 hour scenic drive to Chachapoyas via private car or shared transport.

🚌 By Bus

Buses from Lima take 22–24 hours—long but affordable.

From Tarapoto, it’s a 10–12 hour bus ride through jungle and mountain roads.

🏛️ Top Attractions in and Around Chachapoyas

1. Kuelap Fortress – The “Machu Picchu of the North”

Travel Time: ~3 hours from Chachapoyas

Perched at 3,000 meters (9,842 ft) in the cloud forest, Kuelap is a massive pre-Inca stone fortress built by the Chachapoya civilization. With walls up to 20 meters (66 feet) high, hundreds of circular stone structures, and mist-covered views, it’s a mystical and less-touristy alternative to Machu Picchu.

🚡 A cable car system (teleférico) now offers convenient access from the town of Nuevo Tingo.

2. Gocta Waterfall (Catarata Gocta)

Height: 771 meters (2,530 ft)
Travel Time: 1.5 hours to Cocachimba (trailhead)

Among the tallest waterfalls in the world, Gocta plunges dramatically into the jungle, framed by lush greenery and mythical legends. A 2–3 hour trek from the village of Cocachimba brings you to the base of the falls, or you can ride horseback part of the way.

The surrounding forest is rich in birdlife, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock and toucanets.

3. Karajía Sarcophagi

Travel Time: ~2.5 hours from Chachapoyas

Carved into a cliffside, the sarcophagi of Karajía are pre-Columbian funerary statues resembling human figures, placed high on rock ledges by the Chachapoyas people to protect the dead. Their dramatic setting and eerie beauty offer a glimpse into ancient Andean funerary customs.

4. Revash Tombs

Tucked into red limestone cliffs, these colorful mausoleums resemble miniature houses and are often reached via a short trek from the town of San Bartolo. These cliff tombs are another example of the funerary architecture of the Chachapoyas.

5. Leymebamba Museum

Location: Town of Leymebamba (~3 hours from Chachapoyas)

Home to over 200 mummies recovered from nearby Laguna de los Cóndores, this museum is a must for history buffs. It showcases the incredible preservation and spiritual beliefs of the Chachapoya culture.

The museum also highlights textiles, ceramics, and daily life from pre-Inca societies.

🥾 Outdoor Adventures & Treks

Trek to Gocta Falls: Scenic and moderately challenging

Gran Vilaya Trek: Multi-day hike through ruins, cloud forest, and valleys

Trek to Laguna de los Cóndores: Remote, multi-day journey to an alpine lake and archaeological site

🐦 Nature & Wildlife

The cloud forests surrounding Chachapoyas are rich in biodiversity:

Spectacled bear (elusive)

Mountain toucans

Hummingbirds

Orchids and rare Andean plants

This is a paradise for birdwatchers and eco-tourists.

🏨 Where to Stay in Chachapoyas

Top Picks in Chachapoyas City:

La Xalca Hotel – Modern with colonial touches, great central location

Gocta Andes Lodge (in Cocachimba) – Best views of Gocta Falls, stunning infinity pool

Casa Vieja – Charming guesthouse in a traditional adobe home

In Leymebamba:

Kentitambo Lodge – Eco-lodge near the museum with beautiful gardens and hummingbirds

🍽️ Where to Eat

El Batan del Tayta – Excellent Peruvian fusion cuisine

La Real Cecina – Great for trying local smoked pork and regional dishes

Amazonika – Vegetarian-friendly, fresh smoothies and regional ingredients

Be sure to try local specialties like:

Cecina de chancho (smoked pork)

Juanes (rice tamales wrapped in banana leaves)

Humitas and tamales with Andean corn

🧳 What to Pack

Hiking boots

Rain jacket or poncho

Warm layers (nights can get chilly)

Sun protection (the elevation intensifies UV rays)

Binoculars for birdwatching

Daypack for treks

Camera or phone with good low-light capabilities for misty forest shots

🩺 Health & Safety Tips

Altitude: Though not extreme, some visitors feel mild effects—take it easy upon arrival.

Water: Drink bottled or filtered water only.

Vaccines: No special vaccines required, but check with your healthcare provider.

Trekking: Hire local guides for multi-day treks or lesser-known ruins.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels; signal may be weak in rural areas.

🧭 Sample 5-Day Itinerary for Chachapoyas

Day 1: Arrive in Chachapoyas, explore the city
Day 2: Visit Kuelap Fortress
Day 3: Hike to Gocta Waterfall
Day 4: Day trip to Karajía and Revash Tombs
Day 5: Visit Leymebamba Museum and depart

🧡 Why Visit Chachapoyas?

Chachapoyas offers what many travelers to Peru crave but rarely find: an unspoiled destination filled with archaeological wonders, cultural authenticity, and jaw-dropping nature—with no crowds. Whether you’re standing at the foot of Gocta Falls, exploring mysterious cliff tombs, or chatting with locals in the plaza, you’ll feel like you’ve truly discovered something special.

🔚 Final Thoughts

For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Chachapoyas offers one of Peru’s richest travel experiences. It's a destination that fuses archaeology, nature, and adventure, all wrapped in the charm of small-town Andes hospitality.

Now’s the time to experience the other side of Peru—the side where the mountains whisper stories of ancient peoples, waterfalls thunder through the mist, and every footstep feels like a discovery.